Captivated

Join John Eldredge, bestselling author and founder of Wild at Heart, as he shares insights on cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus. He emphasizes that God’s presence is a tangible reality, not just an abstract idea. Through personal stories and wisdom, John discusses the importance of intercessory prayer and simple acts of faith in daily life. He encourages listeners to embrace their spiritual journeys, reconnect with their younger selves, and deepen their communion with the divine for transformative experiences.

In today’s episode, Stasi Eldredge invites us into a powerful conversation about the freedom Christ has won for us – and the spiritual warfare that seeks to keep us from living in it. Through Scripture and personal stories, Stasi exposes the enemy’s schemes, which are designed to keep our hearts captive and separate us from experiencing the love of God. But take heart: through Christ, we have the authority to break the enemy’s lies and step into the fullness of the life God has won for us. You are chosen, you are loved, and you are made for freedom.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Galatians 5:1 (NLT) – So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) – Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.John 10:10 (NLT) – The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.Romans 8:1 (NLT) – So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) – And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.Isaiah 61:1 (NLT) – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.James 4:7 (NLT) – So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.1 Peter 5:9 (NLT) – Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) – Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.Romans 5:8 (NLT) – But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.Ephesians 2:4–5 (NLT) – But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)1 John 1:9 (NLT) – But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.Song of Solomon 2:14 (NLT) – …Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely.Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) – Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.Luke 10:19 (NLT) – Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.Isaiah 52:1–2 (NLT) – Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean and godless people will enter your gates no longer. Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT) – For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Stacey Burton, Director of Women's Ministries at Wild at Heart and a producer passionate about creating Christ-centered spaces, joins the conversation. She shares a powerful initiative, 'Captivating Fires', aimed at combating the loneliness epidemic among women through community gatherings. The discussion highlights the profound need for belonging and authentic relationships in today's isolating world. Stacey also emphasizes the simplicity of fostering supportive environments, encouraging women to connect, share their stories, and restore their hearts together.

Today Stasi welcome’s back her dear friend – and prayer warrior – Melanie Boudreau, as they explore the beauty of lives fully surrendered to God’s heart, the power of intercession, and the miracles of healing from prayer. Melanie shares encouraging first-hand testimonies of ways she partners with God  in order to witness his healing work in ordinary moments. Friends, this is such an inspiring conversation, as together Stasi and Melanie invite us to risk trusting God in our daily Christian life, by walking boldly in faith and in His presence.…..SHOW NOTES:…..It’s not too late to join us for Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus – wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, every Tuesday through February 18, 2025. You can catch up on previous sessions, or register, at wildatheart.org/ablazeVERSES: 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV) – Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.Galatians 2:16 (NIV) – know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.John 20:21 (NIV) – Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”Mark 16:15-18 (NIV) – He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”John 9:3 (NIV) – “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.…..MELANIE BOUDREAUPodcast: Strategic Intercession   https://podcast.strategicintercession.com/Website: www.melanieboudreau.comBIOAfter a stint in Bible college, two community colleges, and a university in Florida, Melanie graduated with highest honors from the University of Texas, School of Allied Health, with a degree in medical technology. As an ASCP certified medical technologist, she expected an exciting career in the health field. Instead, she soon discovered that parenting was an even greater passion. The mother of one child who was neurotypical and two with neuropsychiatric disorders, she used her education to interact with specialists and to research interventions for her children. In 2018, she founded Relationship Restoration Strategies, a 501c3 which exists to increase quality of life for children with autism and their caregivers in nations or regions with little access to effective intervention. RRS serves to benefit people with Autism Spectrum Conditions through introducing caregivers to Relationship Development Intervention, remediation crafted to develop Mindful Guiding Relationships as a means to promote cognitive development.Meanwhile, Melanie works as a Team Director for Apostolic Intercessors Network, a Christian business that links professional level intercessors with individuals, families, and workplace leaders around the globe. Melanie loves hiking, skiing, camping, traveling and Hungarian puli dogs. She has been happily married for over thirty years and have two grandchildren.…..RESOURCESThe Neurobiology of Fracturing by Janina Fisher  janinafisher.comWild at Heart Podcast  wahe.art/3xsHmuv…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Join us for this heartfelt episode as Stasi welcomes Jenni Graebe—wife, mother, podcaster, and author. Together, they explore the joys and challenges of cultivating a balanced home and family rooted in God’s love. Jenni shares her journey of faith and how leaning into God’s grace through every season led her to her life’s calling. From her newest book, The Rhythm of Home, co-authored with her husband, Chris, Jenni unpacks a few of the rhythms that nurture their family: speaking life, serving, seeking adventure, slowing down, and staying in awe. The wisdom and authenticity in this conversation are sure to inspire and encourage your heart.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER: Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus – wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information or to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablazeRELATABLE VERSES: Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God.Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.…..GUESTPodcast: https://wahe.art/49QoFjjWebsite: https://www.therhythmofus.com/Instagram: https://wahe.art/4gtX2hLFacebook: https://wahe.art/4gvs2OBJENNI GRAEBE BIOChris and Jenni have married 20 years and they understand the ups and downs of marriage. They are passionate about married couples stepping into the plan and purpose that the Lord has for them. The Rhythm of Us Roadmap is almost two decades in the making. They have sought wisdom from those who have been married for 30, 40 & 50+ years. From these mentors and their own life experiences- they discovered these Rhythms that are helping thousands of couples finally get their marriage in Rhythm. When they aren’t writing and podcasting- they are chasing their 5 kids around Franklin, TN.Jenni's Books:The Rhythm of Home: Five Intentional Practices for a Thriving Family Culture by Chris and Jenni Graebe  https://amzn.to/3ORSuWNThe Rhythm of Us: Create the Thriving Marriage You Long For by Chris and Jenni Graebe  https://amzn.to/3VCMFAh…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Oh, friends, Merry Christmas! On this day of celebration, Stasi simply wants to invite you to take a few moments to reflect on the beauty and wonder of the Christmas story: the story of the invasion of the Kingdom! The coming of our Savior as a babe in Bethlehem – Emmanuel, God with us – fills us with gratitude, joy, awe, and hope as we look forward to Him coming again! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus today, let’s remember and rejoice, together!…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Luke 2:1–20 (NIV) — The Christmas Story, the birth of JesusRevelation 12:1–6 — The Woman and the DragonPhilippians 2:6–7 — Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Colossians 1:15–20 — The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.…..RESOURCES:Intro Music: Sing Lullaby | Herbert Howells | Faire Is The Heaven – Music of the English Church  https://spoti.fi/4gEjJjoEncounter Music: Waiting | The Longing | Kimberly and Alberto Rivera  https://spoti.fi/3DjfSKtOutro Music: The Hallelujah Chorus | London Philharmonic Choir  https://spoti.fi/3VG91Rq…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In today’s episode, Stasi invites us to reimagine “duty” through the heart of faithfulness and loving Jesus as a response to His extravagant love. Whether you're feeling weary or longing for deeper connection, Stasi shares how life with God isn’t about lifeless obligation, but passion and intimacy. Though sometimes duty and obedience are the only driving forces we possess, in time duty will shift to desire as we encounter Jesus. Stasi also guides us through a prayer to rest in the Presence of Jesus and to meet with Him today. Friends, we pray that today’s podcast will help you find hope, rest, and restoration as you draw near to the One who first loved us.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER: Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus – wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information or to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablazeVERSES: 2 John 5–6 (NIV) — And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.James 4:8 (NLT) — Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.Psalm 63:8 (NLT) — I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.Luke 8:44 (NLT) — Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.2 John 3 (NLT) — Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.…..RESOURCES:Prayer Background Music: Jesus Is Here | Soaking in his Presence Vol. 3 | by William Augusto https://spoti.fi/3XK9ZNYClosing Song Excerpt from Intertwined | Vol 1. Close to You | by Kendrian and Lauren Dueckhttps://spoti.fi/4g6Fl83…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Have you ever experienced a season when God felt distant, while your heart was aching to hear from him? Friends, you are not alone. Today, Stasi Eldredge is joined by Karen Christakis and Amber Sales – from the Wild at Heart Women’s Team – for an honest and encouraging conversation about what his silence might mean, why it happens, and how it might actually be a sign of His good and deeper work in you. Join us as we share from the scriptures and our own experiences of what we’ve learned living through silent seasons about our own hearts and the heart of our faithful God.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER for Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus – wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information and to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablazeVERSES: Psalm 27:14 (NIV) — Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.Job 30:20 (NIV) — I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me.Psalm 28:1 (NIV) — To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.Psalm 83:1 (NIV) — O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God.Psalm 22:1–2 (NIV) — My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.Psalm 42:1–2 (NIV) — As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?Exodus 20:3 (NIV) — You shall have no other gods before me.Genesis 1:1–2 (NIV) — In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.Psalm 19:1 (NIV) — The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.Romans 1:20 (NIV) — For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) — I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,Isaiah 49:15 (NIV) — Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!…..RESOURCES:Big Idea Inspiration from Mark Comer Teachings: The Dark Night of the Soul – Naming Your Stage of Apprenticeship E6  https://wahe.art/4eE4WE1Pause App:  https://www.pauseapp.com/Quote: from A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis – “God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't.”  …..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Revelation 12:11 says that “they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” In today’s episode, Stasi is joined by her dear friend Cyndi Fudickar, who bravely shares her story of brokenness, healing, and God’s unshakable faithfulness—a conversation that will deeply resonate with each of us. Stasi and Cyndi explore the power of testimony—how our valleys and mountaintops can reveal God’s heart and ignite hope in others. Friends, we hope this conversation encourages you with the truth that you are seen, cherished, and chosen by the One who meets you right where we are, with love that never fails. Listen in, be blessed, and feel His presence afresh today.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER — Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus   wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information or to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablaze…..VERSES: Revelation 12:11 (NLT) — They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.John 15:14–17 (NLT) — You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.Ephesians 1:5-6 (NLT) — God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.2 Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) —  May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.John 15:15 (NIV) —  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.…..RESOURCES:Song: The God Who Sees by Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicole C. Mullenhttps://spoti.fi/3YRNMOyWild at Heart App: https://wildatheart.org/appWild at Heart Prayers: https://wildatheart.org/prayPause App:  https://www.pauseapp.com/Lectio 365: https://wahe.art/3Ckq7xGFind a Captivating Retreat near you: https://wahe.art/48LnpNFJohn Ortberg quote – "Everyone has a story. your story is important. Your story matters to god, and no one gets the story they want.”…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In today’s episode, Stasi has a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend, anointed counselor Laurie Lokey. Laurie shares her journey of grief and healing, uncovering what it means to forgive and love Jesus amidst deep heartbreak and to step fully into her identity as His Beloved. Friends, Laurie’s story shows us that as difficult as it is to face our pain, trusting the transformative power of God’s love can carry us through even the deepest grief. This episode is a tender reminder that we are not alone, and God desires to fully restore our hearts.…..SHOW NOTES:…..LAURIE LOKEYWebsite: https://billandlaurielokey.com/GUEST BIOLaurie Lokey found her way into counseling after completing and leading a Power To Choose recovery group in Columbia, TN and loved partnering with people on their journey to find hope and change. She completed her master’s degree at Trevecca University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She worked with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee to create and run their 12 step recovery groups. Laurie created an individual intensive therapy model for the healing of trauma, which she continues to evolve and use with clients very effectively. Laurie’s love for helping people heal from the impact of trauma led her to work with a specialist and traumatologist, Dr. Lee Norton. From their work, Laurie learned and developed her own modality called “Trauma Stage Processing” which she and her late husband, Bill, taught to clinicians through the U.S. and Uganda, Africa.Laurie is full of life and passionate about what’s important in her life, which becomes obvious soon after you meet her. She loves people well and loves seeing the light come back on in the eyes of those who have lost it. In her free time, Laurie loves being a mom and a grandmom and enjoys spending time with good friends!…..RESOURCES:Find a Captivating Retreat near you  https://local.wildatheart.orgPsalm 23 | Captivated Podcast June 11, 2024  https://wahe.art/4hgx42KThe Four Streams Audio Series  https://wahe.art/4eKW54kThe Utter Relief of Holiness Audio Series  https://wahe.art/4h8hCpoPause App  https://www.pauseapp.com/…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ